Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Implants
February 22, 2019
Unlike bridges or removable dentures, dental implants don’t rely on crowns or suction to remain in place. Instead, we use oral surgery to insert them in the jawbone like tooth roots. In today’s blog, we’re looking at the process of placing dental implants, and what benefits this prosthetic offers our Kansas City, MO, patients.
Placement and Oral Surgery
Using digital technology, we will choose the optimal area for placement. We will then administer dental sedation to ensure the patient remains calm and relaxed throughout the procedure. An oral surgeon will then insert the dental implant into the jawbone. Since they will be made from titanium, a biocompatible material, it will bond with the jawbone like a natural tooth root. The area will then need between three and four months to heal.
Restoration and Maintenance
After the area heals, we will begin addressing the visible portion of your new tooth. We will first add an abutment to the dental implant, which will hold a dental crown in place. Our crowns will be custom-made for your smile, created using a lifelike material will blend with the rest of your smile, such as ceramic. Once in place, your tooth will look natural and have the ability to withstand normal bite forces and pressure. In order to ensure your new tooth lasts for many years to come, you will need to care for it as you would a natural tooth. Which means you should brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes and floss nightly. You should also see us every six months, so we can monitor your new tooth and perform a cleaning to help safeguard your smile against tooth decay, infection, and gum disease.
The Benefits of Implant Dentistry
For one, while dentures last around five years and bridges tend to last ten, a dental implant has the potential to last for decades with proper care and attention. They will also look natural and blend with your smile. The stability of an implant-secured tooth or prosthetic means you have an easier time eating your favorite foods. If you have any questions about implant dentistry, talk to us today. Replacing your missing tooth helps protect the health and function of your smile, while also filling embarrassing gaps in your smile. Talk to our team and let’s start you on the road towards a full and beautiful smile!
Looking for Tooth Loss Solutions?
If you have one or more missing teeth, then talk to our team about implant dentistry. To learn more about implant placement and oral surgery, then schedule a consultation by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018. Let 2019 be the year you obtain a beautiful smile!